Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Gabarus Lighthouse

F Red 15s🇨🇦Gabarus, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Gabarus Lighthouse

A hexagonal pyramidal wood tower, the Gabarus Lighthouse stands 9.5 meters tall and was built in 1891. Its white structure is topped with a red lantern and gallery. The light emits a single red flash and has a geographic range of 12.3 nautical miles. Originally located near a cliff, erosion threatened its foundation. In response, the Gabarus Lightkeepers Society formed in 2014 and, with assistance from Cape Breton University students, secured funding to move the lighthouse. On November 26-27, 2015, the entire structure was relocated further inland to preserve it.

Why it matters: The lighthouse's relocation in 2015 serves as a strong example of community-led heritage preservation, driven by a local society and supported by national and crowdfunding initiatives.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F Red 15s
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Red
Interval
15s
Raw Code
F R
Focal Height
16.5m
Geographic Range
12.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1891

Significant events: endangered by erosion, needed to be moved back from the cliff face, Gabarus Lightkeepers Society formed, students from Cape Breton University helped develop the required business plan, society was awarded $50,000 in the National Trust Lighthouse Matters competition, another $6,000 throgh crowdfunding, lighthouse was moved back from the cliff on 26-27 November 2015

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9.5m
Tower Shape
pyramidal
Tower Color
white
Material
wood

Structure: hexagonal pyramidal wood tower with lantern and gallery, painted white; lantern and gallery are red

Location

City
Gabarus
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Nova Scotia
Sea Region
Located at the end of Harbour Point Road, off NS 327, in Gabarus.
Latitude
45.8431°
Longitude
-60.1469°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Louisbourg(8.4 km)
Admiralty No.
H3358
NGA No.
9224
ARLHS No.
CAN-189
Wikidata
Q32518995 →
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Gabarus Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Canada, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Gabarus Lighthouse at night?+
Gabarus displays the characteristic F Red 15s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Gabarus Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Gabarus Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Louisbourg at 8.1 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Sydney (18.6 NM N), Glace Bay (22.7 NM NNE), North Sydney (22.8 NM N), Baddeck (29 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Gabarus Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Gabarus Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Gabarus Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Gabarus Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.